Have you ever wanted to rub elbows with celebrities or perhaps have a memento of your favorite star? Well mark your calendar for December 11 when the Fourth Annual Andy Roddick Foundation returns to the Polo Club in Boca Raton, Florida.

In addition to dinner and dancing, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an auction filled with spectacular items, including gift baskets filled with items of luxury as well as personally autographed articles from some of Hollywood’s most elite celebrities. Proceeds from the auction benefit Andy’s charity. Each gift basket is named for the celebrity who has donated some or all of its content. Donors include Cindy Crawford, Jane Fonda, Daisy Fuentes, Vince Gill, Naomi Judd, Whoopi Goldberg, Martina McBride, and others!

If you like Reba McEntire, then the Reba basket would be ideal for you. Be the lucky auction winner for this item, and you will be the owner of a framed autographed color photo of the country singing sensation, a framed autographed black & white photo of the cast of “Reba,” a signed script by the cast of “Reba,”a plush “Reba” blanket from the show, Davies Gate scented bath salts, a relaxing Dream Pillow spa style eye mask, and an elegant Diptyque candle. That is one big basket and there are many more like it representing the other great celebrities who have been generous enough to donate items for the auction.

The Andy Roddick Charity Dinner and Auction is a huge annual event that brings together great tennis fans, celebrities, and our own Andy together for a night of music, dancing, dining, and excitement all for a great cause, but a event of this magnitude cannot succeed without the great help of all those involved behind the scenes who work hard all year long to make this event a hit.

This year, Brian Edwards, a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry for the better part of 17 years, has lent his support to The Andy Roddick Foundation. Mr. Edwards is responsible for securing the participation of one of this year’s key celebrity participants. Ali Landry, and is the man behind the gift baskets that are to be auctioned at the event.

Mr. Edwards began his career in the entertainment industry when he was a sophomore in college where he was as an assistant to Donna Summer, a position he would hold for six years. That propelled him to even greater things. He has also served as talent producer / talent executive for three Emmy Award winning specials and has been with the AMC/WE (American Movie Classics/Women’s Entertainment) networks for the past five years and today works as a Celebrity Talent Executive /Manager for various celebrities, clients and television networks such as CMT (Country Music Television).

Ar.com had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Edwards regarding his participation in this year’s event.

Ar.com: How did you become involved with Andy Roddick Foundation?

BE: Each December, I always plan a fun little get-a-away of some sort for a few close friends - as a way to celebrate the end of the year and the holiday season. I’ve always been a huge tennis fan so after reading about the charity event weekend on Andy’s website, I called Doris Porter’s office to get more information. Doris was great - we were on the phone for over an hour. After she gave me the details about the contributions to the community, I knew immediately that I had to be part of this amazing foundation. But rather than just attend the event as a guest, I wanted to ‘roll up my sleeves’ and join in to help make a difference.

Ar.com: How did you go about obtaining the auction items from various celebrities?

BE: I always call upon close friends and associates that I’ve maintained strong relationships with over the years - like Cindy Crawford, Joan Rivers, Vanessa Williams, Sharon Stone, Donna Summer, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes, Pam Tillis, Naomi Judd - and invite them to join me and support various causes I’m infectiously enthusiastic about. Everyone was thrilled to participate in the ARF Celebrity Auction by donating special items that have been packaged in deluxe gift baskets by Star Treatment - a wonderful gift service in Los Angeles that I’ve used exclusively for years. They have been wonderful to work with and along with the various celebrities, were also honored to be a part of this year’s event.

Ar.com: Were you responsible for securing Ali Landry’s participation?

BE: Ali and I are very close - just like family. Over the years, she has lent her name to numerous causes and charity events and she was truly honored when I invited her to join us as one of the special celebrity guests for Andy’s event in December.

Ar.com: Any future plans to work with the Andy Roddick Foundation?

BE: Although I’ve been involved with several charities over the years, working with the ARF marks the first time I’ve dedicated my time and efforts exclusively to one cause and I have to say it’s been a wonderful experience. Even though I came into the program mid-year - the ARF has become my “charity of choice” and I would welcome the opportunity to be a part of this event for years to come and perhaps volunteer in other areas of the foundation as well. I’ve been truly blessed in my career and I just feel it’s important to give back to the community any way I can.

We could not agree more. Andy Roddick Foundation and AndyRoddick.com send many thanks to Mr. Edwards and all the celebrities who took time out for Andy and his fans.